Biotechnological Reuse of Fruit Residues as a Rational Strategy for Agro-industrial Resources

Roberta Targino Pinto, Bruno Alexandre de Araújo Sousa

Abstract

Brazil, one of the largest agricultural producers in the world, has managed in recent years to significantly improve its production. However, in response to this advance in the agro-industrial sector, the generation of agro-industrial residues or sub-products has also increased, and its improper disposal may have a strong environmental impact, in addition to causing losses of raw materials and energy. In this context, the use of these residues as substrates for the production of high value-added compounds using semi-solid fermentation has been studied. Thus, the aim of this study was the physical-chemical characterization of pineapple and guava residues and their potential reuse in semi-solid cultivation. The results showed that both residues are sources of bio-usable nutrients after a number of operational parameters of the bioprocess of choice are adjusted.